Mr Arkison said: “If this proposal goes ahead, then in all reality South Ayrshire Council will be providing a much poorer service than the much maligned and criticised private contractor which currently operates in five of the council’s schools, a feat which all elected councillors should be seriously wary of.”

Councillors are now being lobbied to look again at the proposed cuts, which come hot on the heels of school kitchen closures.

More than 2000 people have signed a GMB petition against the school budget cuts, which was presented to council chiefs earlier this summer.

Council director, Lesley Bloomer, confirmed: “Janitor working hours will be proportional to the size of each school and we’re meeting janitors and head teachers to discuss the proposals in detail.

“Janitors will continue to carry out all duties as required of them in their job descriptions.”